CHIKUNGUNYA

Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain.


First Outbreak

chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection.

The incubation period

Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Target organ and symptoms

The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

Treatment
There is no medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease.
Decrease the symptoms:
Get plenty of rest
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
Take medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

reference

• http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
• http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/symptoms/